Job Title: EstimatorJob DescriptionWe are seeking an experienced Estimator to lead detailed quantity take-offs and develop accurate cost estimates for large, complex construction projects. In this role, you will support the full project lifecycle from conceptual design through construction documents, providing robust cost planning, value engineering, and market-informed pricing insights. You will collaborate closely with design teams and project stakeholders to ensure that budgets are realistic, transparent, and aligned with project intent, while contributing to the continuous improvement of internal cost databases and benchmarking tools.
Responsibilities
- Perform detailed quantity take-offs and measurement-based estimating for a wide range of trades and building systems.
- Develop conceptual, schematic, and detailed cost estimates across all design phases, from early concept through construction documents.
- Prepare comprehensive cost plans, budgets, and feasibility studies for large-scale and complex construction projects.
- Analyze drawings, specifications, and design documents to generate accurate pricing and identify cost risks and opportunities.
- Collaborate closely with design teams, clients, and project stakeholders throughout all project phases to align scope, budget, and schedule.
- Provide cost advice and value engineering options that optimize cost without compromising project intent or quality.
- Evaluate market conditions, including labor and material trends, escalation, and regional cost factors, to ensure realistic pricing.
- Contribute to the development, maintenance, and enhancement of benchmarking tools and cost databases.
- Support the preparation and delivery of client presentations, reports, and other cost-related deliverables.
- Independently perform trade-level estimates and quantity take-offs, ensuring accuracy and consistency across all work products.
- Support senior team members on large, high-profile projects by preparing detailed estimates, reconciliations, and cost analyses.
- Apply a full lifecycle estimating approach, from early conceptual budgets to detailed preconstruction estimates.
- Incorporate construction methods, trade-specific cost drivers, and constructability considerations into all estimates.
- Adapt estimating approaches to represent the owners perspective, including managing assumptions, allowances, and scope gaps.
- Use digital tools and software such as CostX, Bluebeam, and Excel-based cost models to produce and manage estimates efficiently.
Essential Skills
- At least 5+ years of hands-on experience as an estimator in construction, with significant exposure to preconstruction and real estimating work.
- Proven ability to independently perform detailed quantity take-offs and trade-level estimates from drawings and specifications.
- Strong background in measurement and take-offs, with a solid technical foundation in measurement-based estimating.
- Experience working on large, complex construction projects, including civil, architectural, facade, exterior, and roofing scopes.
- Demonstrated experience supporting senior team members on major projects, including preparation of detailed estimates and cost plans.
- Exposure to full lifecycle estimating, from conceptual design through construction documents and preconstruction.
- Strong understanding of construction methods and cost drivers across multiple trades.
- Experience in a consultant or general contractor preconstruction team environment with substantial estimating exposure.
- Advanced proficiency with CostX, Bluebeam, or similar estimating and take-off tools.
- Advanced skills in Excel-based cost modeling, including building, maintaining, and updating cost models.
- Detail-oriented mindset with the ability to work accurately and efficiently in a fast-paced project environment.
- Eagerness to grow into client-facing responsibilities, including presenting cost information and advising stakeholders.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with international cost consultancy standards and practices.
- Familiarity with NYC market conditions and regional cost factors (preferred).
- Experience working on high-profile, large-scale urban projects is highly beneficial.
- MRICS (Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) qualification is a strong plus.
- background with general contractors or major builders is advantageous, particularly experience with large, complex projects.
- Comfort representing the owners interests and adjusting estimating approaches accordingly.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain assumptions, allowances, scope gaps, and estimate methodology clearly to stakeholders.
- Collaborative mindset and the ability to work effectively within a consultant-led, team-based environment.
Work EnvironmentThis position offers a remote work arrangement on a temporary basis, providing flexibility in location and working style. Candidates based in the New York City area may have the opportunity to transition into an in-person role with the team. You will work in a consultant-led environment focused on true cost planning rather than bid-level estimating, collaborating closely with design and project teams on high-profile, large-scale projects. The role involves extensive use of digital tools such as CostX, Bluebeam, and Excel-based cost models, and emphasizes technical excellence, rigorous analysis, and proactive communication. The culture promotes collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous professional development within a globally recognized construction and property consultancy setting. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of New York, NY. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $40.00 - $65.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of New York, NY. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 12, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully remote position.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
